The year 2003 was a big one for Ashwin Willemse, as he was named SA Rugby Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year at the end of that season - despite only turning 22 a few months earlier. Willemse was a tough a teak winger with a lot of speed to burn, a nose for the tryline and great anticipation. He played in two Rugby World Cups and was part of the squad that won the tournament in France in 2007 - his last season in international rugby.

Position: Wing
Province: Golden Lions (2003)
Springbok number: 743
Test debut: 7 June 2003 vs Scotland in Durban aged 21
Last test: 22 September 2007 vs Tonga in Lens aged 25
Total tests: 19
Tour matches: 1
Total Springbok matches: 20
Win ratio: 12-7-0
Honours: SA Rugby Player of the Year (2003); SA Rugby Young Player of the Year (2003); Players' Player of the Year (2003).